What our Australian Idol contestants did next
Back when it first aired in 2003, Australian Idol took the country by storm, consistently raking in millions of viewers. It produced some of our nation’s best new talents and gave us dozens of memorable moments (touchdown!). But what did the Idol finalists get up to in the years after their moment in the sun? Let’s take a look.
Guy Sebastian
Our first ever Idol winner has had a stellar career, producing an impressive seven albums, even cracking the US charts with his 2012 single “Battle Scars”. Last year, Sebastian had the honour of being Australia’s fist ever Eurovision contestant, and he certainly did us proud, coming in at 5th place.
Shannon Noll
True blue Aussie bloke Shannon “Nollsy” Noll came second to Sebastian, but found success of his own after the show. He had a hit with his 2004 cover of Moving Pictures song “What About Me”, as well as “Shine” and “Lift”. He’s kept a relatively low profile since then, performing small shows around the country.
Paulini
Who could forget that gold dress? After the show, Paulini released a few singles before joining the girl group Young Divas with fellow Idol alumnae Emily Williams, Kate DeAraugo, Ricki-Lee Coulter and Jessica Mauboy. She continues to release music and write songs for other artists, occasionally performing live.
Ricki-Lee Coulter
Ricki-Lee has had quite a successful career post-Idol. After being knocked out in the last rounds of season 2, she returned to host in this sixth season. She also was a member of Young Divas and released four studio albums. She has appeared on The Voice Australia, Dancing with the Stars Australia and hosted a radio show on Sydney’s Nova FM.
Casey Donovan
After winning season 2 of Australian Idol at just 16 years old, Donovan’s album For You went three times platinum and her single “Listen with Your Heart” reached the top spot on the charts. Since then, Donovan moved away from the spotlight, returning to the headlines recently to reveal she had been the victim of a six-year-long relationship phone scam.
Anthony Callea
He wowed audiences with his angelic voice, coming in second to Donovan. He has released four albums (including a collection of Christmas classics) and his cover of Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli’s song “The Prayer” went platinum four-times in Australia. He continues to perform and most recently appeared on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
Jessica Mauboy
After placing second in season four, Mauboy has gone from strength to strength. A former member of Young Divas, Mauboy went on to forge a successful solo career, finding hits with songs like “Burn”, “Running Back” and “Pop a Bottle (Fill Me Up)”. She also starred two films, Bran Nue Dae and the critically acclaimed The Sapphires.
Matt Corby
Matt Corby was the season five teen heartthrob who turned his back on pop after Idol to pursue a successful career in the independent music scene. His folksy tunes “Brother” and “Resolution” earnt him two ARIA awards for Song of the Year and he continues to tour around Australia as well as internationally.
Natalie Gauci
She won in Matt Corby’s season, but what ever happened to Gauci? Sadly, the singer revealed she was battling drug addiction and loneliness after finding fame on the show, but these days life is looking much brighter as she plans to continue her music career in her new hometown of London.
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Related links:
Where are the cast of Prisoner now?
The best shows you can’t watch on TV
TV guide: on-demand services in Australia